“By magnificently harmonizing artistic rigor with a
celebration of life, his photography offers a unique vision, one that combines
emotion with reserve, humanism with technical mastery. Few photographers are in
a position to teach us as much as Willy Ronis.” Dhouailly & Cie
Ronis travelled little, mainly photographing the
local people living in and around the Belleville-Ménilmontant region
of Paris which he knew well. Having experience in wedding and christening
photography, Ronis loved the spontaneity of documenting everyday life. His most
famed image, however is ‘Nu Provençal’, a nude of his wife, Marie-Anne
Lansiaux, bending over a sink in a rustic bathroom.
‘Le Bateau Mouche’ by Willy Ronis shows a couple
relaxing on a boat as they sail past iconic landmark, the Eiffel Tower; the
man’s pose reminiscent of a cruise down the river, watching the world go by,
although the woman looks slightly uncomfortable. The couple’s close contact
fits with the Parisian landmark, giving a romantic feel to the image.
Ronis shows another couple taking
advantage of their high vantage point from a tall building, taking in the view
of the Paris cityscape. Ronis has used the technique of shooting from behind
the couple to bring cohesion to the image. Being behind the couple, we see what
they are seeing, giving an insight into their personal experience. Again, I am
struck by the woman’s body language; the straight back and hand placed on her
hip slightly jarrs the otherwise romantic scene.
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